Bengaluru, 24 September (H.S.):The Karnataka government has set up a special investigation team (SIT) to register cases and investigate suspected fraudulent insurance claims. The move follows an August direction from the Supreme Court asking states to establish dedicated teams for such cases.

Under a Home Department order issued on September 22, the Deputy Inspector General of Police at Bengaluru’s Crime and Technical Research Services will head the SIT. A Deputy Superintendent of Police and three inspectors nominated by the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) will serve on the team.

The government has designated the SIT as a police station under Section 2(1)(u) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, giving it jurisdiction across Karnataka. Its investigating officers may submit final reports to the courts concerned under Section 193 of the law.

The team will work under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) at police headquarters in Bengaluru. It must provide periodic updates on its investigations to the DG&IGP through the ADGP.

According to the order, the DG&IGP will transfer to the SIT complaints received from insurance companies concerning suspected fraudulent claims. The police chief will also provide additional personnel whenever the team needs them.

The SIT has been instructed to investigate all such complaints thoroughly and submit its findings to the state government without delay through the DG&IGP. The order brings complaints from insurers under one statewide investigative team, which can register cases, pursue inquiries and place its final reports before the appropriate courts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman